Schooling Year-Round While Other Kids Have Summer Break

I admit it. I am one of THOSE moms.  Hi, my name is Michele and yes, we school through the summer months!

Before you call the school police on us, let me explain.

During the official school year, August through May, we typically follow a Sabbath School Schedule as much as we can, doing school 6 weeks and then taking one week off.  We have a college student who attends a school in a different state so we have to be flexible because of her schedule sometimes, but we stay as close to the six weeks on, one week off as we can. 

My kids thrive on schedules and consistency and so do I.  It's just how we roll around here.  For that reason, when summer hits, I am just not ready to throw school out the door because-

1. We need some consistency
2. I do not want our learning to end
3. There are so many programs out there to explore
4. It cuts down on the "I'm bored" complaints 

But HOW do you do it when other kids have a summer break and yours do not?

Easy!

START EARLY- In the day that is.  For us, getting school done early and out of the way is an incentive to get to do other special activities.  My boys know when they are done with their assignments they are free to play.

BE CHOOSY- We do not do every subject in the summer.  We continue math because that is a skill that is easily lost with a two or three month break.  We also use the summer months to catch up on anything we may have fallen behind in, as well as adding any electives the kids want to try.

BE FLEXIBLE- There are days when things come up and that's ok.  Sometimes things trump school and we just move on the following day.  Don't become wrapped around the axle when unexpected things happen.  There are lessons to be learned even in those things.



BE CONSISTENT- That being said, we also try hard to be as consistent as possible.  If the kids think they have a bargaining chip every day then school can become a battle.  Just letting them know this is part of our daily routine keeps the complaints to a minimum.

DON'T FORGET TO READ- Whether it is as a family or as individuals, read, read, read!  Summer is a great time to visit the library or pull favorites off the shelf and encourage reading.  In the heat of the day or after a busy morning are great times to incorporate reading into your quiet time.  We keep a stack of books in a prominent place in our living room for our kids to choose from for summer reading.  For older kids, they have wish lists they mark off as they read.


INCLUDE OTHERS-  Want to do art? Invite the neighborhood kids and teach them all!  Never been to a local museum? Take a field trip and include another family or two!  This summer we even have Biology dissections scheduled with 5 or 6 other families.  Let's face it, some things are just more fun with friends!

MAKE IT FUN- Above all, make summer a fun time for learning.  Teach a new skill or explore a new subject.  Let your child choose and let their imaginations run wild.  You may discover a new talent or favorite subject along the way.  Summer unit studies are a great way to immerse your kids in a subject that fascinates them.  They will learn what they love!

So yes, I am THAT mom, but my kids don't seem to mind too much.  It is what we do, and we have fun doing it!  How about you- are you ready to learn this summer?

Blessings,

Year In Review

 

Yes, as of this week we are officially done with our school year!  Our official year, that is!  Colby completed 4th grade and Salem completed his freshman year in high school.  For the record, Riley finished her first year at college and will return as a junior.  Our oldest graduated early several years ago and has a thriving T-Shirt business at Ashton's Attic!

So how did the school year go?

Pretty well.  We accomplished all we set out to do with a few extras under our belt.

Math. Check
Science. Check
Literature and writing.  Check
Spanish. Check
Geography. Check
Math. Check
Music Appreciation. Check

Salem also completed a drivers education course and has begun two classes online that will count as electives for him. One is called National Securities Careers, an interesting look at national security history and the entities that help with that security.  It is a great career exploration class as well.  The second course is from our Homeschool Review Crew called Doctor Aviation.  Be looking for a review in a few weeks, but in the meantime, let me just say- we love this course!!  If your child is interested in anything flying or related, they will get a kick out of this video-based program taught by a retired Air Force officer.

People often ask what our days look like.  Although each day may vary, we do start school around 9 and school until lunch. We take a lunch break from 12-1, and then resume school until everything is done.  Most days that is around 3, though it has been known to go later, depending on the work load for that day.

And our summer?  Well, we do school year round.  That usually means we have an hour or two of school most days in the summer with usually with a two week break before we begin new grades in late August.  I have found that math is better retained when we do not walk completely away from it in the summer, and we really enjoy our reading and science time together so those subjects usually continue at some level.  We also tend to concentrate on electives like the ones Salem is taking and things like art for Colby for fun.  Not a chance of summer boredom around here!

 As for the rest of the day, we spend time outside when we can and try to find Activities for Days it is TOO Hot. The kids catch up on rest, a few are involved in summer sports or have a job, and we soak up the few months we have back together as a family of six.

Time is fleeting, enjoy it while you can!

Blessings,

Activities for Days That Are Too HOT!

As a young child I am not sure I ever thought it was TOO HOT to play outside, but since I have gotten older, well, let's say things have changed a bit.  Now there are days that I am pretty sure I am going to melt.  Picture the witch from Wizard of Oz- yep, that's me!

Even my kids have days like that as well.  The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and no one wants to do anything.

So what's a mom to do?

Here are some ideas to keep your kids busy and you sane in those HOT summer months.

WATER PLAY-  They have waited all year to play in the water so let them.  There are so many ideas you can choose from-

• Running through the sprinkler
• Water guns and team competitions
• Water slides (you can even make your own with plastic tarps!)
• Neighborhood water balloon fights
• Carnival games with water buckets and balls- let your imagination go wild!

End their time with homemade popsicles and you will be the hero for the day!

MOVIE TIME- We limit our kids' screen time during formal school time, so summer is a time to loosen up the rules a bit.  Invite the kids' friends over and have a movie theater experience!  Set up a concession stand for kids to "buy" treats or popcorn, collect the "tickets," and turn off the lights for the show.  The heat of the day is the perfect time to relax in an air conditioned room for some quiet time.

VISIT THE LIBRARY- I know this may sound old hat to some, but the library is really a great place.  Gone are the days of mean, old librarians whose favorite word is "shhhhhhhh!"  Now there are reading programs, crafts days, computers, guest speakers, games, and even classes to take.  Libraries have always been a favorite of mine, but they seem to come even more alive in the summer.  Try it! You may even be able to locate a quiet air-conditioned corner just for yourself!

CRAFT DAYS- I admit it- during the school year, arts and crafts usually find their way to the bottom of our to-do list.  Some days we are lucky to just get the basics done.  Hot summer days are the perfect time to grab the craft supplies and a couple of kids and enjoy some craft time.  Pick a theme and explore the different ways you can create the same picture or maybe make puppets and let the kids entertain you with a puppet show.  The sky is the limit!

PRETEND CAMPING- It may be too hot to head outdoors but you can always pitch a tent in the living room or make blanket fortress and "camp."  Read by flashlights, tell stories to each other, make shadow puppets on the wall, and end the night with s'mores in the microwave.  No need to even heat up the house!

It may just be starting to feel like summer where you live, but no doubt the heat is coming.  Be prepared to beat the heat with some fun ideas and be the fun mom on the block!  At least until school starts! ;)

Blessings,

What Do You DO All Summer?

Have you figured it out yet?  Summer is here!

For many people, homeschoolers or not, that means kids with a lot of extra time on their hands.

Time to whine or time to have fun.
Time to get in trouble or time to be productive.
Time to regress in learning or time to learn something new.
Time to follow mom around or time to make new friends.

What time are you going to choose for your kids?

And I do mean YOU!  Because, let's face it, if left to their own accord, most of our kids would naturally choose to sit on the couch and veg or follow us around complaining they are bored.

Right?

So how can you beat the system?

Here's what we do at our house-

Give them options ahead of time.  Now is the time to be proactive.  Sit down and make a list (a L-O-N-G list) about the choices they have.

Once you have a list made, make it visually pleasing.  The more excited you are, the more excited they will be.

Yes, that bottom suggestion says "Kiss Ashton."  She is sneaky!

Then sit down as a family and discuss the list of options.  Remember, this is not a punishment.  It is a list of ideas to get them thinking.  Often times, those sweet kids of ours just go into zombie mode and forget to think.  They may just need a fresh idea or a little push in the right direction.

No, they are not limited to the list.  But in our family, you can come up with your own idea, find something on the list that interests you, or ask mom and dad what job they have for you since you cannot find anything else to do that interests you.

Works like a charm!

I See the End!

Who decided that the school year should be so long?  Really, I would like to know so I can have a chat with them.  There just seems to be something wrong about checking weeks off a calendar to determine if your child has learned enough for the year.  Whose great idea was that?

Regardless though, I am a rule follower, and so yes, we do check off weeks of our official "school year."  While we school year round, my kiddos only have about 4 weeks of their current grade levels left.

Did you hear a little praise the Lord there?

Friends, we are weary!  We started off strong in August of last year and really loved our Sabbath Schedule.  Having a week off every 6 weeks works well for us.  But hubby's deployment kind of, well, mostly, put a wrench in things and we got woefully behind.  It was worth it to be off when he was home and to take some extra time off when he returned home for good, but boy, have I felt behind.  We even put aside our regular schedule and having been schooling straight through with the exception of one week since January.

Exhausting.  No wonder school systems take breaks every month.  Forget celebrating obscure holidays, they are graciously protecting their teachers from burnout.  I get it now!

So our eyes are on the finish line and we are pushing forward.  Thankfully we have finished up several minor subjects so our days are shorter and we have more time to enjoy the beautiful weather here in Nebraska.

Our plan for summer?  Well, don't tell the kids, but school does continue in some aspects.  Both boys will do math and science, as well as a few electives just to stay current.  Summer is also a time that we are able to use many of the amazing review products we have been blessed with!

Because we have a crazy busy August, the plan is to take off the whole month.  There is a wedding to attend of a sweet young lady we love very much and have known since she was 6, we have to take Riley to college, and then my mom is having a knee replacement and we will be spending a few days with her to help her recover.  Once we return, we will begin our new grade levels in September.

Never a dull moment, but we are thankful for the opportunities God has given us.

Yes, even school!

Blessings,

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This is what keeps us busy!

Can you believe it is JULY???

Blessings,

Three Books and a Plan

Next week's Crew carnival is Summer Reading With Elementary Kids!  The link will go live on Wednesday the 11th, so be sure to pop over and see what everyone is reading this summer.  

So what are we reading this summer?  Well, let me tell you... First, this book!

Now that we are transitioning out of easy to read books, I am excited to start with some chapter books this summer.  Since our school load is much lighter, we are going to spend more time reading.  My little guy, going into 2nd grade, is required to read at least 30 minutes a day alone, but we will also add 30 minutes of mom-led reading next week.  I have been patiently waiting to read Toad Triumphant by William Horwood. (This is NOT an affiliate link, just making it easy for you!) After loving Frog and Toad last month, I know he is going to love this one!  It's a sequel to The Wind in the Willows and is so cute! The next two are Little House Books. 

Again, I have been waiting a long time to read these.  The girls read them independently years ago, so this time I am getting in on the fun!  Yes, Farmer Boy is the title you see. Little House on the Prairie is hidden behind it.  While we will read it first, it is hiding because it is missing the cover.  Sad, but true. That copy is one of the complete set I owned as a little girl.  Let's just say that it is well loved. To make the timing even more perfect I have the privilege to be reviewing Diana Waring's book and CD, Musical Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder (review in July!).  History and reading together?  My idea of heaven!  

I also picked up an additional Progeny Press Literature guide for Little House in the Prairie, after having so much fun with Frog and Toad, so we will add that in.  Some of the projects look great.  So what about you?  What are your elementary kids reading this summer?  We would love to add to our pile!  In two weeks we will be talking about the middle schooler's list!  Hope you will check back! Blessings,
Don't forget that by clicking on the banner below next Wednesday you can see some other fun summer reading ideas.

Also make sure you check out the Mommy Club Link up!  YOu will find some great posts to inspire you!

Bring on the Pie!

Update June, 2016!- It is hotter here in Nebraska, so we are bringing out this old recipe again for the summer heat!  Still one of our favorites and a popular one for company!


We went from cold to HOT here in South Dakota.  OK, not Texas or Arizona hot, but hot for us!  While you know we love the winter and all the snow here, my kids were starting to get excited about the possibility of hot summer days.  Me, not so much, but I will try hard to not complain.  Too much.

In the meantime, time to whip out some fun summer recipes and have some fun.  I have shared this one before, but I think it bears repeating as it is one of my favorites.  It came from my mother in law and seems to be loved by all.  I often keep a few in my freezer to have on hand for those "just in case" moments!

Now that I have a child that is wheat free I used the extra filling to make two crustless treats just for her!

Lemonade Pie

1 Graham cracker crust
1 can eagle condensed milk
8 oz thawed cool whip
8 oz. thawed frozen lemonade

Mix milk, cool whip and lemonade together and freeze in pie shell!

That's it.  Simple, fast and the perfect treat for a hot day!


Blessings,

You can see what other Crew members are enjoying this summer by clicking on the banner below! 

Hurray! It's Time for Summer!

I love participating in Crew Carnivals!  What is a carnival you ask?  (I knew you would!)  It is a time that we all are given a subject, and then each of us blogs about it in our own special way.  The fun part is reading them all, as they are as different and unique as the gals who write them.  This month-
Wrapping Up the Homeschool Year!
I mentioned a while back we had about six weeks of school left.  That's down to about 4, so I made an executive decision, with the permission of the principle of course.   This week is our last full schedule week of  the school year.  
Ah, the glory of homeschooling year round!   One kiddo has been done and doing just review material for weeks.  The other two are down to science and math and reading.  Therefore- done!  With a full schedule, that is.
Next week we are taking off a full week for some fun.  (I will tell you about that soon, promise!)  Then we will return to a 2-3 hour schedule to finish those few subjects and then do "summer" work.  I have several Vacation Station books from Bob Jones University that I love that are reviews and prepare you for the next grade.  In addition, my 16 year old will begin online college classes!  We also tend to do a lot of reviewing curriculum in the summer as it is easy to fit those extras in. Don't worry, we have a lot of fun too.  We have several trips planned and plenty of company coming to keep us busy.  August will be here before we know it and then it will be back to full days.  The learning is never done. It has been a good school year for us.  We made a lot of pretty big changes and next week I want to share with you our favorites of the year.  
Until then, Blessings, 

Goodbye Summer...

OK, when did summer come to an end?  Really, driving home from visiting our oldest at college this past weekend we saw leaves that were turning colors.  When did that start??  I know, I know, fall officially arrived on Saturday, but where did summer go?

by Megan Valder

Thankfully, when I look back at our summer bucket list I see a lot of checkmarks and only a few things we missed doing.  Even while being intentional, there are just not enough days to get it all done.  Making it even harder, our oldest daughter was only home for a short period of time and busy taking online classes even then.  I still feel the need to include her...she hasn't left the nest completely yet.  OH, yes, and add in our cross country move.  So it all did not get done.  Yet.

But looking at that list makes me smile as I remember the fun we had.  For several years now, we have tried as a family to be more intentional at collecting memories rather than collecting things.  And, yes, it does take being intentional.  Otherwise, time just seems to slip right past you.  At least for our family, it seems.  So this summer, we decided to break down our memories into smaller, bite sized packages than in the past...no Disney or ranch trips this year.

Instead we... 
splashed in pools across the US
giggled with friends we had not seen in years
played at water parks and museums
immersed ourselves in a new community and all it has to offer
saw four presidents, in rock, of course
got dizzy on roller coasters
and
made new friends along the way.

Not to worry, we may be winding down for a while until college girl returns, but we have not completely abandoned our list.  There is still that Mall of America to visit, more friends to see and the Laura Ingalls homestead nearby that I am determined to see!

But until then, our memories will be made a little more local...in between school and learning.  Luckily for us that produces memories all on its own!

Happy Fall Ya'll!
Blessings, 

Summer Fun

Confession time- I am a homeschooling mom that does school year round!  There, I said it.  We do take breaks, but I have found when my kids are idle for too long, their brains just don't seem to work as well (read here- boredom, bad choices, irritating mom).  We are also a family that thrives on schedules.  Well, maybe I thrive, and they just follow along.  Now pair that with the fact that we are in a "move year" and you have a mom anxious to get started with the new curriculum and be done before the packers arrive.  This will allow us to be done earlier next spring and take off 6-8 weeks for a summer move.

But so you do not think all is lost, so far this summer we have done this

Science Center

and this

Pool fun!

and this 

Nerf war with dad

and this

Fire pit and s'mores!

and this

teaching friends to Irish Dance

 and a little of this

Reading

and this weekend we are headed here with friends!

What are you spending your summer doing?